From a handful of Maruti 800s standing out among portly Ambassadors, box-shaped Omnis and Premier Padminis, to a broad range of SUVs, MUVs, sedans and hatchbacks in many shapes, sizes and budgets – India’s automobile industry has undergone a sea-change in the last 30-odd years. At the center of this seismic shift – and now contributing to more than 7 percent of our GDP – are automobile companies in India.
Here’s a look at some of the best automobile companies that are powering India’s remarkable auto sector growth story:
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Udyog was established in 1981, and made a joint venture with Suzuki in 1982, forming the popular brand name ‘Maruti Suzuki’. Building on its innate concept of ‘People’s car’, Maruti Suzuki has reached the pinnacle of success, while retaining the authenticity of its mission in its 41 years of life.
In January and February 2022, Maruti Suzuki sold 1.28 lakh cars and 1.34 lakh cars, which respectively covered the 43.7% and 44.2% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The cars of the Indo-Japanese carmaker are mainly popular for their affordability, lower maintenance cost, and wide service network. The type of cars Maruti Suzuki manufactures are hatchbacks, sedans, compact SUVs and MUVs.
Hyundai
The Korean automaker, Hyundai is the oldest foreign carmaker in India and is the second-largest carmaker in terms of market share. The runaway success of their first car, Hyundai Santro, aroused a string of ultra-competent cars from the Korean carmaker making it the first successful foreign car brand in India.
In January and February 2022, Hyundai has sold 44,022 units and 44,050 units, which respectively covered the 14.9% and 14.5% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The Hyundai cars are mainly popular for their attractive appearance, unique premium feel, and lower maintenance cost. The type of cars Hyundai manufactures in India are hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.
TATA Motors
The esteemed Indian brand, Tata Motors has rapidly upscaled its popularity in the avenue of cars in India. One of the oldest Indian brands, Tata had partnered with Mercedes Benz in its starting years and now owns the premium brand Jaguar Land Rover. Moreover, the crowned Indian carmaker is widely acclaimed for their high safety standards of their cars that are highly inspired by the European auto industry.
In January and February 2022, Tata Motors has sold 40,780 units and 39,980 units, which respectively covered the 13.8% and 13.2% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The main attractions of Tata cars are safety, strong build quality, appearance, rugged and durable powertrains, and lower maintenance cost. The type of cars Tata Motors manufactures are hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, as well as electric vehicles.
Mahindra & Mahindra
The brand Mahindra & Mahindra is 77 years old, even older than the independence of India. Establishing primarily as a steel trading company in 1945, Mahindra steered its way into the passenger car market in 1954 with Mahindra Major, which most of us know as Mahindra Jeep. The pioneer Indian brand is revered for serving the toughest cars, especially for the rural landscape, while bringing the best foreign technologies to alleviate urban lifestyles.
In January and February 2022, Mahindra has sold 19,860 units and 27,563 units, which respectively covered the 6.7% and 9.1% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The cornerstones of Mahindra cars’ fame are reassuring safety, robust build quality, rugged and durable powertrains, and low maintenance cost. The type of cars Mahindra manufactures are hatchbacks, MUVs, and SUVs.
Kia
The South Korean carmaker, Kia is growing leaps and bounds in Indian automotive, just the way its parent company, Hyundai had. Beginning its Indian journey with Kia Seltos in 2019, Kia has dramatically raised the competitive bars with the attractive balance between luxury and budget. Kia is highly popular for its prowess in finding the demanding gaps and filling them with the most suitable products, for example, Kia Carnival is a go-to option between Toyota Innova Crysta and Mercedes Benz V-Class, and Kia Carnes competes with a considerably wide range of 7-seaters.
In January and February 2022, Kia has sold 19,319 units and 18,121 units, which respectively covered the 6.6% and 6.0% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The Kia cars are famous for their sleek looks and a nice balance of budget and high-end upmarket features. The type of cars Mahindra manufactures are hatchbacks, MUVs, and SUVs.
Toyota Kirloskar
The global automotive champion, Toyota entered India in 1997 in a joint venture with an Indian conglomerate, Kirloskar Group. Over the years, Toyota has well-catered to the Indian needs and demands with its typical premium products that include some reputed cars such as Toyota Camry, Toyota Innova, and Toyota Fortuner. So far, the success formula of Toyota hasn’t been found by any of its competitors, and its most successful car, the legendary Toyota Hilux is about to hit the Indian market soon.
In January and February 2022, Toyota sold 7,328 units and 8,745 units, which respectively covered the 2.5% and 2.9% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The Toyota cars are famous for their sedate looks, unique premium essence, and durability. The type of cars Toyota Kirloskar manufactures are hatchbacks, sedans, MUVs, and SUVs.
Honda
Entering India in 1995, the Japanese carmaker, Honda has come a long way in establishing itself as a prestigious brand. While the first car, Honda City, was a runaway success, the addition of i-VTEC technology sparked a glory run starting from 2008. Honda’s i-VTEC technology is still dominant as ever, while the cars of Honda are ingrained with unique Japanese premium features which have an unshakable fanbase.
In January and February 2022, Honda has sold 10,427 units and 7,187 units, which respectively covered the 3.5% and 2.4% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The cornerstones of Honda cars’ success in India are i-VTEC technology (especially petrol engine), premium interiors, and durability. The type of cars Honda India manufactures are hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.
Volkswagen
For those who don’t know, the Volkswagen group is the second-largest car manufacturer in the world and owns multiple brands including Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Skoda, and the namesake member, Volkswagen. The renowned German auto giant entered India in 2007, with a ground-breaking product, and its global flagship, Volkswagen Passat. From there, it went on to place itself among the most revered brands in India. Today, the Volkswagen group runs its business in India through its subsidiary, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited.
In January and February 2022, Volkswagen sold 3,523 units and 4,028 units, which respectively covered 1.2% and 1.3% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The Volkswagen cars in India are famous for their opulent interiors, best-in-class ride comfort, sedate appeal, and durability. The Volkswagen cars available in India include hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.
Skoda
The Czech carmaker, Skoda came to India in 2001 and rolled out the glorious Skoda Octavia in 2002. The immediate success of Octavia opened the doors for many flawless cars including Skoda Superb which has rivaled the luxury cars from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar for ages. Just like Volkswagen, in this day and age, Skoda sits nicely among the most revered brands in India.
In January and February 2022, Skoda has sold 3,009 units and 4,503 units, which respectively covered the 1.0% and 1.5% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. Just like its sibling Volkswagen, the Skoda cars in India are famous for their opulent interiors, best-in-class ride comfort, sedate appeal, and durability. The Skoda cars available in India include sedans and SUVs.
MG Motors
The British automaker, Morris Garages Motors (MG motors) is a subsidiary of SAIC Motors UK, which is owned by a China-based SAIC Motor. The subsidiary, MG Motors India was established in 2017 and rolled out its first car MG Hector in 2019. The SUV has been a hit since launch and successfully revolutionized the Indian automotive space in terms of tech advancement. Being the first car with connected car technology, a dramatically feature-loaded car, the MG Hector accentuated the affordability competition.
In January and February 2022, MG sold 4,306 units and 4,528 units, which respectively covered the 1.5% and 1.5% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The main contributor to MG’s success in India is the attractive wealth of upmarket features at affordable prices as well future-oriented ADAS features. All the cars in MG Motors’ Indian portfolio are SUVs.
Renault
In 2008, the alliance of French carmaker, Renault and Japanese carmaker, Nissan, set up a manufacturing plant in Oragadam near Chennai. After building the plant, they rolled out their first car, Renault Duster in 2012. The compact SUV sold like hotcakes and earned itself 29 awards including Indian car of the year (ICOTY), by 2013. The dramatic success led Renault to deliver a few other cars that along with Duster helped the brand clutch a firm hold of Indian automotive space.
In January and February 2022, Renault sold 8,199 units and 6,568 units, which respectively covered 2.8% and 2.2% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. Renault’s success in India is earned by its attractive affordability and immaculate ride comfort. Renault India has hatchbacks and SUVs in its portfolio.
Nissan
Today, Nissan is among the best carmakers in the world and it began its operations in India in 2005, after building the subsidiary, Nissan Motor India Private Limited. The SUV, Nissan X-Trail, was the first Nissan car to hit Indian shores, imported via as aCBU (Completely Built Unit). Over the years, Nissan India has effectively evolved its shape and effect, and with the launch of Nissan Magnite in 2020, it has successfully gained considerable reach. Moreover, introducing its subsidiary, Datsun, has allowed it to test the waters with the budget segment.
In January and February 2022, Nissan has sold 4,250 units and 2,456 units, which respectively covered the 1.4% and 0.8% share of total car sales in India in the past two months. The main attractors of Nissan’s cars in India are a unique Japanese premium ride experience and affordability. Nissan India has only SUVs in its line-up.
FAQs
Which is the No 1 car company in India?
The Maruti Suzuki is the best-selling car manufacturer in India, it sold 12.93 lakh cars in 2021.
What are the top 10 car companies in India?
The top 10 car companies in India are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Kia, Mahindra, Toyota, Renault, Honda, MG, and Nissan.
Which are the Indian car companies?
The Indian car companies are Maruti, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Force Motors.
Which Indian car companies make the best off-roading SUVs?
The Indian car companies renowned for delivering the best SUVs are Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Force Motors.
Which Indian car companies offer sedans?
The Indian car companies that offer sedans are Maruti Suzuki and Tata.
